Mel Schwartz, LCSW

Order our of Chaos—Embracing Uncertainty

The words, order and chaos, are particularly value laden. We tend to embrace order and avoid chaos at all costs. I’ve come to wonder why… Continue reading Order our of Chaos—Embracing Uncertainty

The pathologizing of a culture

A young woman in her mid-twenties recently came in for her first visit with me.  Three months earlier she had experienced her first bout of… Continue reading The pathologizing of a culture

I’ll Be Happy When…

What is the source of happiness? We tend to assume that happiness will come from a future event. It typically depends upon something else happening.… Continue reading I’ll Be Happy When…

Why Psychotherapists Shouldn’t be Shrinks

Why Psychotherapists Shouldn’t be Shrinks On occasions when people might inquire as to what type of work I do, I’d typically respond that I practice… Continue reading Why Psychotherapists Shouldn’t be Shrinks

Looking at greed as an addictive dysfunction

Looking at Greed as an Addictive Dysfunction The saga of the Bernard Madoff debacle, AIG bonuses and the host of other repugnant behaviors actually reveal… Continue reading Looking at greed as an addictive dysfunction

The Paradox of Expectations

Beginning a new year often brings forth a review of our expectations and I thought it might be a good idea to briefly examine this… Continue reading The Paradox of Expectations

The Paradox of Expectations

Beginning a new year often brings forth a review of our expectations and I thought it might be a good idea to briefly examine this… Continue reading The Paradox of Expectations

Why New Year’s Resolutions Tend to Fail—And How to Make Them Succeed

At this time of  year  many of us make New Year’s resolutions that over time wither and fade as we try vainly to transform some… Continue reading Why New Year’s Resolutions Tend to Fail—And How to Make Them Succeed